La Liga: Barca Aim to Make It to Seventh Heaven

Barcelona vs Osasuna

Barcelona are on top of the La Liga table and aim to stay there for as long as possible. Hansi Flick’s side have won six consecutive league games, and they’re keen to make it seven straight when they host Osasuna at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium this Saturday evening.

With a one-point lead at the top and Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid breathing down their necks, Barcelona are under pressure to win as much as possible. The Blaugrana recently secured a 1-0 win against Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, giving them confidence ahead of this weekend.

Osasuna are winless in their last four league games, so they’ve fallen to 11th in the standings with 33 points. Scoring an upset against Barcelona will have their fans dream of European football again.

Check out today’s SBOTOP preview by reading more below.

 

Talking Points

Szczesny taking over Barcelona’s goal

Hansi Flick deserves credit for turning Barcelona into a goalscoring machine. With 71 goals after the first 26 matchdays, the Blaugrana boast the best attack in the Spanish top-flight, and it’s not even close. However, their defence, which conceded only one league goal last month, deserves plaudits too.

Wojciech Szczesny is a big reason Barcelona have conceded fewer goals. The Polish international took over the team’s starting goalkeeper (over Inaki Pena Sotorres) after their 1-1 draw against Getafe last January. His goalkeeping chops were in full display in last night’s narrow 1-0 win over Benfica, as Szczesny made eight saves – a record for any Barcelona keeper without conceding a goal in a single Champions League game since 2003-04, per Opta.

Pau Cubarsi was sent off in that game, but the suspension doesn’t apply in Spain, so he should start alongside Szczesny, Inigo Martinez, Alex Balde, and Jules Kounde at the back. Flick could also tinker with his lineup by bringing back either Gavi or Marc Casado in the middle of the park with Pedri while keeping Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha in the final third.

 

Budimir needs help to carry Osasuna

Ante Budimir recently became Los Rojillos’ all-time leading scorer after scoring the team’s third goal in their 3-3 draw against Valencia last Sunday. With 58 strikes, he surpassed Sabino Andonegui’s 57 goals in the first division, and Budimir could add more to his tally against the Blaugrana. The Croatian forward is also third in the Pichichi race (14 goals) behind only Kylian Mbappe (17) and Robert Lewandowski (21).

However, if Osasuna stand a chance to upset Barcelona again, Budimir needs help (just like in the reverse fixture). Aimar Oroz, Lucas Torro, Ruben Garcia, and Abel Bretones combined for 11 league goals and five assists. Meanwhile, Bryan Zaragoza is the team’s top playmaker with five assists and one league goal.

Torro must watch himself, as the central midfielder leads the team with nine yellow cards. If he gets another one against Barcelona, he will likely have to serve a suspension.

 

History

Barcelona and Osasuna will meet for the second time this season. Osasuna scored a 4-2 upset over Barcelona at El Sadar last September, as Ante Budimir (brace), Bryan Zaragoza, and Abel Bretones outscored Pau Victor and Lamine Yamal. Los Rojillos are the last team to score four goals against the Blaugrana in a La Liga match this season, although they have never scored a league double over them.

Barcelona have won their last four La Liga home matches against Osasuna. The Blaugrana are keen on notching their fifth consecutive home shutout victory against Los Rojillos for the first time since a run between 1963 and 1984 (W5, D1). They have scored at least 71 goals in their first 26 league matches for the first time since 2016-17.

 

Betting Tip

The La Liga 2025 odds have the hosts as the overwhelming favourites to take all three points this weekend. Barcelona are at 1.20 odds to win, while Osasuna are massive 8.60 underdogs, and a draw is at 6.30 in the 1X2 market.

Both teams can create numerous La Liga 2025 highlights, but the Blaugrana will likely outscore Los Rojillos. Besides our recommended bet, bettors can also go for alternatives like Over 3.50 at 1.71, Over 3.75 at 1.88, and Total Goal 4-6 at 2.03, with Total Goal 2-3 at 2.64 being the more conservative option.

However, if you fancy Osasuna’s chances, check out the Correct Score of 4-2 in their favour – the result of the reverse fixture – is priced at a staggering 250.00 your bet.

   

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